LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson’s prosecutor is opposing a move by the pop singer to reduce his $3 million bail, arguing that he may be planning to flee the country.
According to a motion obtained by media lawyers Sunday, District Attorney Tom Sneddon’s office said Jackson’s immense wealth requires at least $3 million bail to ensure he will appear for trial on child molestation charges and, if convicted, would be prepared to serve a lengthy prison sentence.
“The temptation to flee must surely be strong for an individual in defendant’s circumstances,” said the motion.
Jackson’s lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., did not immediately return phone calls Sunday.
The prosecution motion, written by Deputy District Attorney Gerald McC. Franklin, envisioned Jackson living out the rest of his life as “a wealthy absconder” rather than facing a life term in a California prison.
Franklin conceded that the county bail schedule calls for a potential maximum bail of $435,000 for the child molestation and conspiracy charges against Jackson, but he argued the performer is no ordinary defendant and the bail schedule does not apply to him.
Franklin also suggested that a number of countries would welcome Jackson if he fled.
Jackson has pleaded not guilty to child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent, and a conspiracy count involving allegations of child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.
Meanwhile, Jackson’s father, Joseph, has hired a lawyer to be an “extra pair of eyes” for him during the child molestation case against his son, according to a statement issued Monday.
Debra Opri, who frequently appears on TV as a legal analyst, said she will not be a part of the pop singer’s defense team, however.
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